Full Breakdown
U.S. Beats Germany in Shootout, Stays Alive in Group A
5/21/2026, 9:34:50 AM
Shootout Victory Secures U.S. Win Over Germany
On Wednesday in Zurich, the United States defeated Germany 4-3 in a shootout, its second win from four games at the ice-hockey world championship. Tommy Novak tied the game with 5:47 left, sending it to overtime. The United States then won the shootout; sources differ on which player delivered the decisive penalty.
Tournament Position and Recent Performance
The United States entered the match as defending champions but had suffered a 6-2 loss to Finland two days earlier. The shootout win lifted the team to five points in Group A, placing it behind group-leader Switzerland, which sits at 12 points after a 9-0 victory over Austria. Germany earned its first point of the tournament. The result also moved the United States into fourth place in Group A, as reported by the NHL’s official recap.
Key Players and Contributions
German captain Moritz Seider opened the scoring one minute after the opening face-off. United States forward Isaac Howard tied the game at 1-1 before the end of the first period. Max Sasson gave the Americans a second goal early in the second period. Germany responded with Frederik Tiffels’ equalizer and Marc Michaelis’ go-ahead tally less than three minutes later. In the third period, Tommy Novak’s goal forced overtime. Goaltender Devin Cooley recorded 31 saves, including 14 stops in the third period, and was the goaltender of record in both U.S. victories. Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk, making his world-championship debut, failed to convert his penalty shot.
Game Statistics
- Final score: United States 4, Germany 3 (shootout)
- Shots on goal: Devin Cooley made 31 saves; Germany’s goaltender Philipp Grubauer was on the ice for the three German goals.
- Shootout: The United States converted one decisive penalty; Germany’s shooters were unable to score.
- Goal distribution (U.S.): Howard, Sasson, Novak, and the shootout winner; (Germany): Seider, Tiffels, Michaelis.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
ESPN attributes the decisive shootout penalty to Ryan Leonard, while the NHL.com recap credits forward Coronato with scoring the game-winning attempt in round five. Neither source provides a detailed play-by-play confirming which player’s shot ultimately ended the shootout, leaving the exact identity of the decisive scorer unresolved.
Implications for the United States and Group A Race
The victory keeps the United States within striking distance of the group leaders and preserves its chance to advance to the knockout stage. By moving to fourth place, the Americans remain in contention for a quarter-final berth, while Germany’s single point leaves it near the bottom of the group. Switzerland’s dominant performance and Austria’s nine points after their loss underscore the competitive landscape in Group A.
Upcoming Schedule
The United States is slated to face Latvia on Saturday in Zurich. Germany’s next group opponent is not detailed in the source material. The outcomes of these matches will determine the final composition of the quarter-final lineup from Group A.
